Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia and is spoken by over 230 million people worldwide. As global interconnectedness increases, learning Indonesian can open doors to rich cultural experiences, business opportunities, and academic research. For those interested in mastering this language, several universities around the world offer exceptional programs. This article will guide you through some of the best universities that teach Indonesian, providing insights into what makes each program unique.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is renowned for its strong focus on Asian and Pacific languages, and its Indonesian language program is no exception. The university offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes beginner to advanced levels of Indonesian.

Key Features:
– **Intensive Language Courses**: The program features intensive courses designed to quickly bring students up to conversational proficiency.
– **Cultural Immersion**: The university hosts cultural events and encourages participation in Indonesian community activities.
– **Study Abroad Opportunities**: Students can take advantage of study abroad programs in Indonesia, which provide firsthand experience in the language and culture.

Research and Resources:
The University of Hawaii at Manoa also boasts extensive resources for research in Southeast Asian languages and cultures, including a specialized library collection.

Australian National University (ANU)

Located in Canberra, ANU is one of Australia’s leading universities and has a well-established Indonesian language program. The program is part of the College of Asia and the Pacific, which is renowned for its expertise in Asian studies.

Key Features:
– **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The program covers all levels of Indonesian language proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
– **Fieldwork and Research**: ANU encourages students to engage in fieldwork and research projects in Indonesia.
– **Experienced Faculty**: The program is taught by highly experienced faculty members who are experts in Indonesian language and culture.

Extracurricular Activities:
ANU offers various extracurricular activities, including language clubs, cultural events, and guest lectures, providing students with ample opportunities to practice their language skills and deepen their cultural understanding.

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London

SOAS is a world-renowned institution specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its Indonesian language program is highly respected and attracts students from around the globe.

Key Features:
– **Diverse Courses**: SOAS offers a range of courses in Indonesian, from beginner to advanced levels, including specialized courses in literature, history, and politics.
– **Interdisciplinary Approach**: The program integrates language study with courses in anthropology, history, and politics, providing a well-rounded understanding of Indonesia.
– **Language Support**: SOAS provides extensive language support, including one-on-one tutoring and language labs.

Research Opportunities:
Students at SOAS have access to a wealth of research resources, including one of the largest libraries in the world dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s Indonesian language program is part of its Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and excellent faculty.

Key Features:
– **Comprehensive Language Instruction**: The program offers courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on both spoken and written Indonesian.
– **Interdisciplinary Curriculum**: Students can complement their language studies with courses in Indonesian culture, history, and politics.
– **Study Abroad Programs**: UC Berkeley has partnerships with Indonesian universities, allowing students to spend a semester or more studying in Indonesia.

Community and Resources:
UC Berkeley’s vibrant Indonesian student community and extensive library resources make it an ideal place to study the language.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

NUS is one of Asia’s leading universities and offers a strong program in Indonesian language and culture. The program is part of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies.

Key Features:
– **Language Proficiency**: NUS offers courses designed to develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Indonesian.
– **Cultural Integration**: The program includes cultural studies, providing students with a deep understanding of Indonesian society and traditions.
– **Field Trips and Exchanges**: Students have the opportunity to participate in field trips and exchange programs in Indonesia.

Research and Collaboration:
NUS has strong research collaborations with Indonesian institutions, offering students unique opportunities for academic and field research.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

As one of Indonesia’s top universities, UGM offers an exceptional program for those looking to study Indonesian language and culture in the country where it is spoken.

Key Features:
– **Immersive Experience**: Studying at UGM provides an immersive language learning experience, with daily opportunities to practice Indonesian in real-life situations.
– **Diverse Curriculum**: The program includes courses in Indonesian language, literature, history, and culture.
– **Experienced Instructors**: The faculty includes experienced instructors who are native speakers of Indonesian.

Local Engagement:
UGM encourages students to engage with the local community through volunteer work, internships, and cultural events.

Yale University

Yale University offers an Indonesian language program through its Department of Southeast Asia Studies. The program is known for its academic rigor and comprehensive curriculum.

Key Features:
– **Language Proficiency**: Yale offers courses designed to develop proficiency in all aspects of the Indonesian language.
– **Interdisciplinary Studies**: The program integrates language learning with studies in Indonesian culture, history, and politics.
– **Study Abroad Opportunities**: Yale has partnerships with Indonesian universities, allowing students to study abroad and immerse themselves in the language and culture.

Research Resources:
Yale’s extensive library collections and research resources make it an excellent place for students interested in Indonesian studies.

Cornell University

Cornell’s Indonesian language program is part of its Southeast Asia Program, which is one of the oldest and most respected in the United States.

Key Features:
– **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The program offers courses in Indonesian language at all levels, from beginner to advanced.
– **Cultural Integration**: Students are encouraged to study Indonesian culture, history, and politics alongside their language courses.
– **Study Abroad Programs**: Cornell offers study abroad programs in Indonesia, providing students with immersive language learning experiences.

Community and Support:
Cornell’s active Southeast Asia Program community and extensive support resources make it an ideal place to study Indonesian.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers a robust Indonesian language program as part of its Asia Institute. The program is known for its comprehensive curriculum and experienced faculty.

Key Features:
– **Language Proficiency**: The program offers courses designed to develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Indonesian.
– **Cultural Studies**: Students can complement their language studies with courses in Indonesian culture, history, and politics.
– **Study Abroad Opportunities**: The University of Melbourne has partnerships with Indonesian universities, allowing students to study abroad and immerse themselves in the language and culture.

Research and Resources:
The University of Melbourne’s extensive library collections and research resources make it an excellent place for students interested in Indonesian studies.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers an Indonesian language program as part of its Department of Indonesian Studies. The program is known for its academic rigor and comprehensive curriculum.

Key Features:
– **Language Proficiency**: The program offers courses designed to develop proficiency in all aspects of the Indonesian language.
– **Cultural Integration**: Students are encouraged to study Indonesian culture, history, and politics alongside their language courses.
– **Study Abroad Opportunities**: The University of Sydney has partnerships with Indonesian universities, allowing students to study abroad and immerse themselves in the language and culture.

Research Resources:
The University of Sydney’s extensive library collections and research resources make it an excellent place for students interested in Indonesian studies.

Conclusion

Choosing the right university to learn Indonesian depends on various factors, including the depth of the curriculum, the expertise of the faculty, and the opportunities for cultural immersion and study abroad. The universities listed in this article are some of the best in the world for learning Indonesian, offering comprehensive programs that cater to different learning needs and interests.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your career prospects, engage in academic research, or simply explore a new culture, learning Indonesian at one of these institutions can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Take the time to research each program thoroughly and consider what unique opportunities they offer to make an informed decision about where to pursue your language studies.